Yes, it’s time for another National Geographic Documentary. Like the Lewis and Clark one we reviewed a few weeks back, this DVD is less than an hour long and lacks the classic National Geographic song. Unlike L&C, which was mostly a dramatic re-creation, Great Inca Rebellion is mostly forensic science with a touch of costumed re-creation thrown in to illustrate points.

The crux of the documentary revolves around the first gunshot death in the New World and how finding this particular Incan skull with a bullet wound has created a great deal of controversy amongst historian regarding the battles between Incas and the Spanish Conquistadors who wiped them out. These particular remains, how they died and where they were found has made a group of historians believe that the conflict between these Indians and the Spanish was longer and harder than previously believed. They accused older historians of romanticizing the Spainards and making the battles sound one-sided due to overwhelming Spanish might. You then get CGI re-creations and the SCA style re-enactments to show the history of the Incan genocide.

The documentary is well told and it was very informative. There is no famous actor moonlighting as the narrator. It’s just a straight up hardcore serious documentary like National geographic used to produce when we were little kids.

Like most National Geographic DVD’s, Great Inca Rebellion is overpriced for the length of the disc, and there are no special features save for ads for more National Geographic DVD’s, but this is one of the best documentaries the company has put out in years besides Restless Enemies. I have to admit as a near lifelong member of the NG Society, I strongly prefer the magazine to the TV shows and documentaries they produce these days. Thankfully, Great Inca Rebellion gives us a nice reminder that they can still produce a highly quality and informative video piece.

We’ll end this with the one thing this documentary was missing most of all…the THEME MUSIC! Seriously National Geographic, why don;t you use this any more?

Is it Worth Keeping? Yes, but only for the historically inclinedRating: 6/10<